The Ford F-100 Supernats

If you're looking for one of the most concentrated collections of unique Ford-powered trucks in the country, the F-100 Supernationals is the event for you. Going strong for the past 32 years, the event attracted more than 900 drivers to the new location in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Show promoter Charlie Cobble worked hard to bring the event back to Pigeon Forge, a move welcomed by city officials and participants alike. It was the first event held in the city's new municipal parking lot, offering acres of limitless display spaces for vehicles and vendors. Of course the new location also offered unlimited Pigeon Forge shopping opportunities, definitely an advantage to another important segment of the F-100 population.

From the opening ceremonies of the three-day event, excitement was in the air. The crowd was introduced to half a dozen, never before seen trucks, debuting at the show. After admiring the headliners, the crowd spent the rest of the weekend greeting old friends and inspecting the rest of the huge collection of Ford-powered vehicles. Along the way, they got a chance to visit with the nearly 100 vendors, manufacturers, and swap meet folks who had an amazing collection of the latest accessories for your truck.

One of the most heavily accessorized trucks at the event, even though it was still not complete, was the Project Black Oval giveaway truck. Campaigned over the last year and a half and loaded with dozens of sponsored upgrades, the '55 F-100 was the prize every driver was hoping to take home. When co-host and television personality Sam Memmolo pulled the winning name from the drum, John Davis jogged to the stage, smiling with his ticket in hand. It's a safe bet that very few attendees had a better time at this year's event than John. The truck has been appraised at $28,500 and will need to be personalized to John's taste. With a little luck, we hope to see it on display at the 2011 event.

The Saturday afternoon awards ceremony saw the reign of Steve and Becki Haessly come to an end. Their F-100, Hot Blooded, has been the Truck of the Year throughout 2009. This year's top trophy went to Roger and Carolyn Hogan for their black and red, tilt-bed F-100 loaded with custom upgrades. (Look elsewhere in this issue for a full feature on the Hogan's truck.) In addition to more than a dozen specialty awards, the closing ceremonies sent 270 happy attendees home with permanent reminders of the fun at this year's show.

Show promoter Charlie Cobble sends a special thanks to supportive sponsors like National Parts Depot and welcomes the event's newest sponsor: LMC Trucks. If you'd like more information on the 2011 schedule, check out the website: www.f100supernationals.com.